The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed this week with the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH), is a significant milestone in accelerating genomic innovation in the UAE through access to the latest sequencing technology, advanced genomic analysis solutions and workforce training initiatives.

The MOU was signed in the presence of H.E. Mansoor Ibrahim Al Mansoori, Chairman of DoH and Mr Jacob Thaysen, Chief Executive Officer Illumina by Dr Asma Ibrahim Al Mannaei, the Executive Director of the Research and Innovation Centre at DoH and Mr Steve Barnard, Chief Technology Officer Illumina
The MOU was signed in the presence of H.E. Mansoor Ibrahim Al Mansoori, Chairman of DoH and Mr Jacob Thaysen, Chief Executive Officer Illumina by Dr Asma Ibrahim Al Mannaei, the Executive Director of the Research and Innovation Centre at DoH and Mr Steve Barnard, Chief Technology Officer Illumina.
7 June 2024

Genomics is a critical part of public health, from characterizing new and emerging pathogens to revolutionizing diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease. One of genomic sequencing’s most powerful applications is helping to identify the underlying genetic cause for a patient’s rare disease and another is enabling precision medicine.

“By integrating genomics throughout the health system and throughout the care continuum, it is possible to dramatically improve the health outcomes of all citizens and create savings for the government. Genomics could effectively become standard of care through the life continuum, from carrier screening and newborn screening through to early disease detection and treatment strategies later in life,” said Mr Steve Barnard, Chief Technology Officer Illumina.

Through collaborations in the UAE, together Illumina and the DoH:

  • Would aim to progress the development of a precision health program tailored to citizens of the UAE and to local health priorities, including non-communicable and communicable disease, genetic disease and chronic disease.
  • Explore potential training and medical education opportunities to prepare laboratories and clinicians to integrate genomics technologies and clinical next generation sequencing (NGS) within their practice.
  • Develop an understanding of how to effectively implement and scale NGS testing in the UAE. International health economic evidence demonstrates that without genomic diagnostic integration, the current diagnostic patient journey is long, costly and inefficient.

“Illumina is pleased to be a trusted technology partner with demonstrated leadership and a proven track record of genomics solutions and offers reliable, industry-leading training, support and services,” said Mr Steve Barnard.

“Illumina’s high-throughput sequencing technology underpins population-scale genomics programs across the region. Illumina’s regional team has supported the sequencing of hundreds of thousands of genomes in these countries, contributing to the development of a sustainable Arabic genome reference dataset.

“Through the collaboration with the DoH in this transformative genomics program, Illumina will draw on global expertise and knowledge to support health technology assessment and policies to facilitate the translation of genomic research into clinical practice. Illumina will also support the DoH to quantify the return on investment of a national genomics program for the country's economy,” Mr Barnard said.

The full Abu Dhabi DoH media release can be found here.